Flex tip fluid lumen assembly with termination tube

ABSTRACT

A catheter tip is disclosed comprising a tip electrode comprising a ledge feature, and a center cavity and a manifold assembly comprising a fluid lumen manifold and a stop tube. The stop tube can be coupled to the fluid lumen manifold and configured to abut the ledge feature such that a distal end of the fluid lumen manifold extends a pre-determined distance into the center cavity of the tip electrode. The fluid lumen manifold can comprise a plurality of sideholes which can be sized and configured to distribute an irrigant to the tip electrode. The catheter tip can comprise a flexible tip electrode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/827,842, filed 30 Nov. 2017 (the '842 application) which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/213,289, filed 14 Mar. 2014(the '289 application) now U.S. Pat. No. 9,861,738, issued 9 Jan. 2018,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/838,124,filed 15 Mar. 2013 (the '124 application) now U.S. Pat. No. 8,814,825,issued 26 Aug. 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. application no.61/643,748, filed 7 May 2012 (the '748 application); and thisapplication claims the benefit of U.S. application no. 61/820,518, filed7 May 2013 (the '518 application). The '842 application, the '289application, the '124 application, the '748 application, and the '518application are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entiretyas though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND a. Field

The instant disclosure relates generally to a manifold assembly fordelivering irrigant to a catheter tip and irrigated catheter tipsincorporating such a manifold assembly.

b. Background Art

Electrophysiology catheters are used in a variety of diagnostic,therapeutic, and/or mapping and ablative procedures to diagnose and/orcorrect conditions such as atrial arrhythmias, including for example,ectopic atrial tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter.Arrhythmias can create a variety of conditions including irregular heartrates, loss of synchronous atrioventricular contractions and stasis ofblood flow in a chamber of a heart which can lead to a variety ofsymptomatic and asymptomatic ailments and even death.

Typically, a catheter is deployed and manipulated through a patient'svasculature to the intended site, for example, a site within a patient'sheart or a chamber or vein thereof. The catheter carries one or moreelectrodes that can be used for cardiac mapping or diagnosis, ablationand/or other therapy delivery modes, or both, for example. Once at theintended site, treatment can include, for example, radio frequency (RF)ablation, cryoablation, laser ablation, chemical ablation,high-intensity focused ultrasound-based ablation, microwave ablation,and/or other ablation treatments. The catheter imparts ablative energyto cardiac tissue to create one or more lesions in the cardiac tissueand oftentimes a contiguous or linear and transmural lesion. This lesiondisrupts undesirable cardiac activation pathways and thereby limits,corrals, or prevents errant conduction signals that can form the basisfor arrhythmias.

To position a catheter within the body at a desired site, some type ofnavigation must be used, such as using mechanical steering featuresincorporated into the catheter (or an introducer sheath). In someexamples, medical personnel may manually manipulate and/or operate thecatheter using the mechanical steering features.

In order to facilitate the advancement of catheters through a patient'svasculature, the simultaneous application of torque at the proximal endof the catheter and the ability to selectively deflect the distal tip ofthe catheter in a desired direction can permit medical personnel toadjust the direction of advancement of the distal end of the catheterand to position the distal portion of the catheter during anelectrophysiological procedure. The proximal end of the catheter can bemanipulated to guide the catheter through a patient's vasculature. Thedistal tip can be deflected by a pull wire attached at the distal end ofthe catheter that extends to a control handle that controls theapplication of tension on the pull wire.

A medical procedure in which an electrophysiology catheter is usedincludes a first diagnostic catheter deployed through a patient'svasculature to a patient's heart or a chamber or vein thereof. Anelectrophysiology catheter that carries one or more electrodes can beused for cardiac mapping or diagnosis, ablation and/or other therapydelivery modes, or both. Once at the intended site, treatment caninclude radio frequency (RF) ablation, cryoablation, laser ablation,chemical ablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound-based ablation,microwave ablation, etc. An electrophysiology catheter imparts ablativeenergy to cardiac tissue to create one or more lesions in the cardiactissue and oftentimes a contiguous or linear and transmural lesion. Thislesion disrupts undesirable cardiac activation pathways and therebylimits, corrals, or prevents stray errant conduction signals that canform the basis for arrhythmias.

Because RF ablation can generate significant heat, which if notcontrolled can result in excessive tissue damages, such as steam pop,tissue charring, and the like, it can be desirable to monitor thetemperature of ablation electrode assemblies. It can also be desirableto include a mechanism to irrigate the ablation electrode assembliesand/or targeted areas in a patient's body with biocompatible fluids,such as saline solution. The use of irrigated ablation electrodeassemblies can also prevent the formation of soft thrombus and/or bloodcoagulation, as well as enable deeper and/or greater volume lesions ascompared to conventional, non-irrigated catheters at identical powersettings.

The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate the presentfield and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a catheter tip assembly can comprise a tipelectrode comprising a ledge feature, a proximal lumen and a centercavity and a manifold assembly comprising a fluid lumen manifold and astop tube. The stop tube can be coupled to the fluid lumen manifold andconfigured to abut the ledge feature such that a distal end of the fluidlumen manifold extends a pre-determined distance into the center cavityof the tip electrode. The catheter tip assembly can further comprise athermal sensor coupled to the tip electrode. The thermal sensor can becoupled to a distal end of the tip electrode. A distal portion of thefluid lumen manifold can further comprise a plurality of sideholes. Theplurality of sideholes can be of varying sizes. In one embodiment asubset of the plurality of sideholes that are more distally located canbe a smaller diameter than another subset of the plurality of sideholesthat are more proximally located. The catheter tip assembly can furthercomprise a lumen cap coupled to a distal end of the fluid lumenmanifold. The lumen cap can comprise a distal port. The tip electrode ofthe catheter tip assembly can comprise a flexible tip electrode. Theflexible tip electrode can comprise an electrode wall, a coil, a lineargap, and a proximal stem. The linear gap can extend through theelectrode wall and can be configured to allow an irrigant therethrough.

In various embodiments, a catheter can comprise a tip electrodecomprising a ledge feature, a proximal lumen and a center cavity and amanifold assembly can comprise a barbed connector, a stop shoulder, anda plurality of sideholes. The manifold assembly can be configured toabut the ledge feature such that a distal end of the manifold assemblyextends a pre-determined distance into the center cavity of the tipelectrode. The manifold assembly can further comprise a sensordepression. The sensor depression can be sized and configured to coupleto a location sensor. The catheter can further comprise a catheter bodycoupled to the tip electrode. The catheter can further comprise adeflectable catheter shaft section coupled to the tip electrode. Thedeflectable catheter shaft section can comprise an elongated bodyextending along a longitudinal axis and can comprise a distal end and aproximal end and a plurality of lumens extending along the longitudinalaxis of the elongated body. At least one of the plurality of lumens canabut at least another one of the plurality of lumens. The manifoldassembly can comprise PEEK.

In various embodiments, a flexible tip electrode can comprise anelectrode wall, a linear gap, a proximal stem, a ledge feature, and aproximal face and a manifold assembly comprising a fluid lumen manifoldand a stop tube. The manifold assembly can be configured to engage withthe ledge feature such that a proximal end of the stop tube is apredetermined distance from the proximal face of the flexible tipelectrode. The flexible tip electrode can further comprise a taperedfluid lumen that can be configured to couple to the fluid lumen manifoldand abut the stop tube.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, andadvantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading thefollowing description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a catheter incorporating a deflectablecatheter shaft section in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a partially cut-away isometric view of the deflectablecatheter shaft section of FIG. 1 taken along line 2A-2A, with variouscomponents of the catheter omitted for the purposes of clarity.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the deflectable catheter shaftsection of FIG. 1 taken along line 2B-2B seen in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, side cross-sectional view of the deflectablecatheter shaft section of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3, with variouscomponents of the catheter omitted for the purposes of clarity.

FIG. 4A is a partially cut-away, isometric view of the deflectablecatheter shaft section of FIG. 1, showing a shaft coupler in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a partially cut-away, isometric view of the deflectablecatheter shaft section of FIG. 1 showing a shaft coupler in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of a deflectable catheter shaft section andan intermediate catheter shaft section.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an end view taken in the direction of line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of circled region CC shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion ofthe deflectable catheter shaft section depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, andincludes an enlarged view of the region within dashed circle AA of FIG.6.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, isometric view of a distal shaft couplermounted in the longitudinal end of an intermediate catheter shaftsection, and depicts short sections of the first and second pull wiresextending from the distal end of the distal shaft coupler.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a bendable stiffening member, whichinclude in this embodiment a coil support tube and a multi-pitch coil.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a multi-pitch coil.

FIGS. 13 and 14 depict two additional views of the multi-pitch coildepicted in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is an end view of the multi-pitch coil taken along line 15-15 ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a portion of the coildepicted in FIGS. 12-15.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary view of a flexible tip assembly in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary view of the flexible tip assembly depicted inFIG. 17 rotated 90 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the flexible tipassembly.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible tip assembly of FIGS.17 and 18 taken along line 19-19.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the circled region labeled “FIG. 20” ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a manifold assembly in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 21taken along line 22-22, and also including a sensor coil and a portionof a fluid lumen.

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the manifold assembly depicted in FIG.21.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a stop tube in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 25 is an end view of the stop tube depicted in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a tapered fluid lumen, with portions cut-outfor clarity in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a side view of a manifold assembly in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold assembly depicted inFIG. 27 taken along line 28-28.

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of the manifold assembly depicted in FIGS.27 and 28.

FIG. 30 is a side view of a manifold assembly in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold assembly depicted inFIG. 30 taken along line 31-31.

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of the manifold assembly depicted in FIGS.30 and 31.

FIG. 33 is a side view of a manifold assembly in accordance with anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments are described herein of various apparatuses, systems, and/ormethods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and useof the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in theart, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without suchspecific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components,and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill inthe art will understand that the embodiments described and illustratedherein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated thatthe specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may berepresentative and do not necessarily limit the scope of theembodiments, the scope of which is defined solely by the appendedclaims.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment”, or the like, meansthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least oneembodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,”“in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” orthe like, in places throughout the specification, are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particularfeatures, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitablemanner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features,structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connectionwith one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with thefeatures, structures, or characteristics of one or more otherembodiments without limitation given that such combination is notillogical or non-functional.

It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” may beused throughout the specification with reference to a clinicianmanipulating one end of an instrument used to treat a patient. The term“proximal” refers to the portion of the instrument closest to theclinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located furthestfrom the clinician. It will be further appreciated that for concisenessand clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” and“down” may be used herein with respect to the illustrated embodiments.However, surgical instruments may be used in many orientations andpositions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.

FIG. 1 generally illustrates a deflectable electrophysiology catheter 10that comprises a deflectable catheter shaft section 12 in accordancewith an embodiment. Deflectable catheter shaft section 12 comprises anelongated body having a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. In its mostgeneral form, catheter 10 further comprises a tip assembly 18 located atthe distal end 14 of the deflectable catheter shaft section 12, aproximal catheter shaft section 20 located at the proximal end 16 of thedeflectable catheter shaft section 12, and a handle assembly 22.Catheter 10 may be used in any number of diagnostic and therapeuticapplications, such as the recording of electrograms in the heart, theperformance of a cardiac ablation procedure, and other similarapplications/procedures. Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize and appreciate that the inventive deflectable cathetershaft section and method of manufacturing the same can be used in anynumber of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Still referring to FIG. 1, deflectable catheter shaft section 12 isdisposed between the tip assembly 18 and the proximal catheter shaftsection 20. The length and diameter of the deflectable catheter shaftsection 12 can vary according to the application. Generally, the lengthof the deflectable catheter shaft section 12 can range from about 2inches (50.8 mm) to about 6 inches (152.4 mm) and the diameter of thedeflectable catheter shaft section 12 can range from about 5 French toabout 12 French. The diameter of the deflectable catheter shaft section12 can be about 7 French in accordance with some embodiments. Althoughthese particular dimensions are mentioned in particular, the dimensionsof the deflectable catheter shaft section 12 can vary in accordance withvarious applications of the deflectable catheter shaft section 12. Thedeflectable catheter shaft section 12 can be configured for deflectionindependent of the proximal catheter shaft section 20.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, deflectable catheter shaft section 12 extendsalong a longitudinal axis A and comprises at least five substantiallyseparate lumens 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, each extending along thelongitudinal axis A from the distal end 14 to the proximal end 16 inaccordance with an embodiment. Each of the plurality of lumens 24, 26,28, 30, 32 can be fully formed in accordance with an embodiment. Inparticular, each of the plurality of lumens can be a desired shape asdescribed hereinbelow. Depending upon the intended application of thecatheter 10, each lumen 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 may extend along an entirelength of the deflectable catheter shaft section 12 or may extend lessthan the entire length of the deflectable catheter shaft section 12.Each lumen 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 may be formed to have a predeterminedcross-sectional profile and shape. Each lumen 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 isconfigured such that various components required for performing theparticular functionality of the catheter 10 (e.g., recordingelectrograms, ablation, ultrasound, etc.) are disposed therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, first lumen 24 may be generally roundin cross-sectional shape. Although this particular shape is mentioned indetail, the cross-sectional shape of the first lumen 24 may vary inaccordance with various embodiments. First lumen 24 may be configuredfor housing wiring for electrodes as described in more detailhereinbelow or for other electrical components.

Second lumen 26 may be located generally adjacent to or abutting thefirst lumen 24 within deflectable catheter shaft section 12. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the first and second lumens 24, 26 may bedisposed as proximate each other as manufacturally feasible, whileallowing the first and second lumens 24, 26 to be fully formed. Forexample and without limitation, the distance between first lumen 24 andsecond lumen 26 may be less than about 0.015 inches (0.38 mm) inaccordance with an embodiment. In an embodiment, the first lumen 24 andthe second lumen 26 may be connected to each other. Second lumen 26 maybe generally round in cross-sectional shape. Although this particularshape is mentioned in detail, the cross-sectional shape of the secondlumen 26 may vary in accordance with various embodiments. Second lumen26 may be configured for use as an irrigation fluid passageway and thelike.

Third lumen 28 may be located generally adjacent to or abutting bothfirst and second lumens 24, 26. In accordance with an embodiment, thethird lumen 28 and the first and second lumens 24, 26 may be disposed asproximate each other as manufacturally feasible, while allowing thefirst, second, and third lumens 24, 26, 28 to be fully formed. Forexample and without limitation, the distance between third lumen 28 andat least one of the first lumen 24 and second lumen 26 may be less thanabout 0.015 inches (0.38 mm) in accordance with an embodiment. In anembodiment, the third lumen 28 and at least one of the first lumen 24and the second lumen 26 may be connected to each other. Third lumen 28may be generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape. Although thisparticular shape is mentioned in detail, the cross-sectional shape ofthe third lumen 28 may vary in accordance with various embodiments.Third lumen 28 may be configured to house a planarity wire 34 (FIG. 2B).The planarity wire 34 has opposing flat surfaces 36, 38 and isconfigured to maintain the planarity of the deflectable catheter shaftsection 12 as the deflectable catheter shaft section 12 deflects.

Fourth and fifth lumens 30, 32 may be located on opposing sides of thethird lumen 28 for the planarity wire 34. The fourth lumen 30 may belocated generally adjacent to or abutting the third lumen 28. Inaccordance with an embodiment, the third and fourth lumen 28, 30 may bedisposed as proximate each other as manufacturally feasible, whileallowing the third and fourth lumens 28, 30 to be fully formed. Forexample and without limitation, the distance between fourth lumen 30 andthe third lumen 28 may be less than about 0.010 inches (0.254 mm). In anembodiment, the fourth lumen 30 and the third lumen 28 may be connectedto each other. The fifth lumen 32 may be located generally adjacent toor abutting the second lumen 26. In accordance with an embodiment, thesecond and fifth lumens 26, 32 may be disposed as proximate each otheras manufacturally feasible, while allowing the second and fifth lumens26, 32 to be fully formed. For example and without limitation, thedistance between the fifth lumen 32 and the second lumen 26 may be lessthan about 0.010 inches (0.254 mm). In an embodiment, the fifth lumen 32and the second lumen 26 may be connected to each other. The fourth andfifth lumens 30, 32 may be generally round in cross-sectional shape.Although these particular shapes are mentioned in detail, thecross-sectional shape of the fourth and fifth lumens 30, 32 may vary inaccordance with various embodiments.

Fourth and fifth lumens 30, 32 may be configured to each house a pullwire 40, 42 (FIG. 2B) to enable the deflectable catheter shaft section12 to deflect in two or more directions. In particular, the handleassembly 22 described in more detail hereinbelow may comprise at leastone pull wire 40, 42 operatively connected to it to facilitatedeflection of the deflectable catheter shaft section 12. Although thedeflectable catheter shaft section 12 is described and illustrated asincluding two opposing pull wires 40, 42, it should be noted that thedeflectable catheter shaft section 12 of catheter 10 is not limited totwo opposing pull wires 40, 42. Rather, the deflectable catheter shaftsection 12 of catheter 10 may include a single pull wire arrangement inother embodiments. The deflectable catheter shaft section 12 of catheter10 may include more than two pull wires in other embodiments. The pullwires 40, 42 may be formed from a superelastic nickel-titanium (known asNiTi or Nitinol) wire, carbon fiber, para-aramid synthetic fibergenerally available from DuPont under the brand name KEVLAR®, or othersuitable material in accordance with various embodiments.

Still referring to FIG. 2B, each of the lumens 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 may belined with liners 44 that serve the purpose of providing a lubricioussurface (e.g., to allow for the sliding of the pull wires) andinsulating the components within the lumens 24, 26, 28, 30, 32. Ifprovided, the liners 44 may be constructed of a polymeric material, suchas PTFE or any other suitable material.

Referring now to FIG. 3, deflectable catheter shaft section 12 comprisesa first pocket 46 at distal end 14 configured to accept a pull ring 48(FIG. 4A). Pull wires 40, 42 are attached to diametrically oppositelocations on the pull ring 48 by a solder or weld joint, for example andwithout limitation. The pull wires 40, 42 then extend from the pull ring48 toward the handle assembly 22. Pulling of the pull wires 40, 42 bythe handle assembly 22 during use of the catheter 10 will cause the pullring 48 to tilt or rock, thereby deflecting the deflectable cathetershaft section 12. The first pocket 46 at distal end 14 is alsoconfigured to accept tip assembly 18.

Referring back to FIG. 1, tip assembly 18 comprises a tip electrode 56having a distal end 50 and a proximal end 52. Tip electrode 56 may beconfigured for various functions and may include, without limitation, anactive outer surface that is configured for exposure to blood and/ortissue. The tip electrode 56 may be affixed to distal end 14 of thedeflectable catheter shaft section 12 in a number of ways. For instance,the tip electrode 56 may be bonded to an inner radial surface of thedeflectable catheter shaft section 12 using an epoxy material. As usedherein, the term “radial surface” means a surface at a radial distancefrom a central axis or a surface developing uniformly around a centralaxis (for example, but without limitation, an arcuate surface, anannular surface, or a cylindrical surface). The tip electrode 56 of thetip assembly 18 may have a recess (not shown) formed therein that issufficiently sized and configured to receive a wire (not shown) that isconnected to the tip electrode 56. One end of the wire is connected tothe tip electrode 56 and the other end is connected to, for example,monitoring or recording or ablation devices, such as a radiofrequency(RF) generator. The wire is typically a pre-coated wire that isinsulated from other components in the tip assembly 18. The tipelectrode 56 of the tip assembly 18 may further include a recess (notshown) formed therein that is configured to receive a thermocouple (notshown). The thermocouple may be configured to measure the temperature ofthe tip electrode 56, targeted tissue, and/or the interface therebetweenand provide feedback to the monitoring or recording or ablation devicesdescribed hereinabove. The tip electrode 56 may further include a fluidlumen configured as a passageway for irrigation fluid.

Referring back to FIG. 3, deflectable catheter shaft section 12comprises a second pocket 58 at proximal end 16 configured to accept ashaft coupler 60 (FIGS. 4A-4B). Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, the shaftcoupler 60 is configured to connect the deflectable catheter shaftsection 12 to the proximal catheter shaft section 20. A distal end 62 ofthe shaft coupler 60 can be affixed to the proximal end 16 of thedeflectable catheter shaft section 12 in a number of ways. For instance,an outer radial surface 64 of the shaft coupler 60 may be bonded to aninner radial surface 66 of the deflectable catheter shaft section 12using an epoxy material, for example and without limitation. A proximalend 68 of the shaft coupler 60 can be affixed to a distal end 70(FIG. 1) of the proximal catheter shaft section 20 in a number of ways.For instance, the outer radial surface 64 of the shaft coupler 60 may bebonded to an inner radial surface (not shown) of the proximal cathetershaft section 20 using an epoxy material, for example and withoutlimitation. The outer radial surface 64 of the shaft coupler 60 cancomprise a helical groove 71 in accordance with some embodiments. Thehelical groove 71 can be configured to have a variable depth inaccordance with various embodiments. The helical groove 71 can beconfigured to improve bonding between the shaft coupler 60 and thedeflectable catheter shaft section 12 in accordance with variousembodiments. For example, in at least one embodiment the groove 71 maybe configured to hold an adhesive added during manufacturing of thecatheter 10. In another embodiment, the groove 71 may be configured tobond and/or grab onto various portions of the shaft sections 12 and 20during a reflow process, described in more detail below. In anotherembodiment, the helical groove 71 may be configured both to hold anadhesive and bond/grab onto the shaft sections 12 and 20 during a reflowprocess. The shaft coupler 60 can be generally cylindrical in shape. Theshaft coupler 60 can also include a plurality of lumens 72, 74, 76, 78,80 in communication with lumens 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 of deflectablecatheter shaft section 12, which function as an electrical lumen, fluidlumen, planarity wire lumen, and pull wire lumens, respectively.

Referring again to FIG. 1, proximal catheter shaft section 20 can alsoinclude one or more lumens (not shown). Generally, proximal cathetershaft section 20 can include a single lumen. The single lumen can be incommunication with lumens 72, 74, 76, 78, 80 of shaft coupler 60, whichare in turn in communication with lumens 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 ofdeflectable catheter shaft section 12. Proximal catheter shaft section20 can also be constructed of a series of polymer layer(s) and braidstructure(s). In particular, one or more wires wound to form acylindrical braid structure can substantially surround the one or morelumens of proximal catheter shaft section 20. In addition, a polymericmaterial, such as polyurethane, nylon, or various types of plasticmaterials such as polyether block amides offered under the trademarkPEBAX®, or any other suitable material, can also substantially surroundthe one or more lumens of proximal catheter shaft section 20. Regardlessof the material used, the material must have capability to be displacedor to shrink when subjected to a process, such as for example, a heatingprocess that is performed. The mechanical properties of the proximalcatheter shaft section 20 can also be varied by varying the propertiesof the cylindrical braid structure(s) and the polymeric material (e.g.,dimension of the cylindrical braid structure and/or durometers of thepolymers). Additionally, the mechanical properties of the proximalcatheter shaft section 20 can be varied along the length of the proximalcatheter shaft section 20 in accordance with some embodiments of thedisclosure or can be substantially constant along the entire length ofthe proximal catheter shaft section 20 in accordance with otherembodiments of the disclosure.

The handle assembly 22 is coupled to the proximal catheter shaft section20 at its proximal end (disposed within handle assembly 22 and notshown). The handle assembly 22 is operative to, among other things,effect movement (i.e., deflection) of the deflectable catheter shaftsection 12. The handle assembly 22 includes a distal end 94 and aproximal end 96. Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B and as will bedescribed in greater detail below, the handle assembly 22 includes anactuator 98 that can be selectively manipulated to cause deflectablecatheter shaft section 12 to deflect in one or more directions (e.g.,up, down, left, and right). Deflectable catheter shaft section 12 may beconfigured for uni-directional deflection in accordance with someembodiments and may be configured for bi-directional deflection inaccordance with other embodiments.

The catheter 10 may include any number of other elements such as, forexample and without limitation, thermocouples, thermistor temperaturesensors, etc. for monitoring the temperature of targeted tissue andcontrolling the temperature.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a deflectable catheter shaft section 12′ similar tothe deflectable catheter shaft section 12 shown to good advantage in,for example, FIGS. 1, 3, and 4A. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cathetershaft may include the deflectable catheter shaft section 12′, anintermediate catheter shaft section 164, and a proximal catheter shaftsection (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, but the proximal catheter shaftsection, if present, would abut the right longitudinal end, as orientedin FIGS. 5 and 6, of the intermediate catheter shaft section 164). Inthis embodiment, two shaft couplers are used, including a proximal shaftcoupler 60 _(P) for coupling the proximal catheter shaft section to theintermediate catheter shaft section 164, and a distal shaft coupler 60_(D) for coupling the intermediate catheter shaft section 164 to thedeflectable catheter shaft section 12′.

In at least one embodiment, the proximal catheter shaft section maycomprise a portion of the handle assembly, e.g., the proximal cathetershaft section may comprise a pocket (not shown) sized and configured toreceive a proximal shaft coupler 60 _(P) and formed in the distal end 94of handle assembly 22 seen in FIG. 1. In an alternative embodiment, itis possible, depending upon which handle assembly 22 is selected, thatthe handle assembly may connect to the proximal end 168 of theintermediate catheter section 164, or to the proximal end 166 of theproximal shaft coupler 60 _(P). In these latter configurations, theintermediate catheter shaft section 164 would be analogous to theproximal catheter section shown in, for example, FIG. 1.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 6, additional details will bedescribed. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG.5. Starting from the right side of FIG. 6 and moving leftward, aproximal end 166 of the proximal shaft coupler 60 _(P) may be seenextending proximally beyond the proximal end 168 of the intermediatecatheter shaft section. It is also possible to see that the intermediatecatheter shaft section 164 may include a first shaft material 170 (e.g.,PEBAX) and a second shaft material 172 (e.g., PEBAX or braided mesh). Afirst pull wire 40 may be seen extending along the upper portion of theproximal shaft coupler 60 _(P), and a second pull 42 wire may be seenextending adjacent a lower portion of the proximal shaft coupler 60_(P). The portion of these pull wires 40, 42 extending from the proximalend 166 of the proximal shaft coupler 60 _(P) back to the handleassembly 22 (see, for example, FIG. 1) may have compression coilssurrounding them. Additionally, there may be compression coils (notshown) extending between a distal end 174 of the proximal shaft coupler60 _(P) and a proximal end 176 of the distal shaft coupler 60 _(D).These compression coils would be under compression (e.g., they may becompressed 0.070 in.) to help mitigate against undesirable deformationof the intermediate catheter shaft section 164 extending between theproximal and distal shaft couplers. In the embodiment shown, thecompression coils do not extend through the proximal shaft coupler, butthey could in an alternative embodiment.

Moving further leftward in FIG. 6, you next encounter the distal shaftcoupler 60 _(D), which is depicted as joining the intermediate cathetershaft section 164 (which , as discussed above, may extend to the handleassembly 22) to the deflectable catheter shaft section 12′ that extendsfrom the distal shaft coupler to the tip assembly 18′. A distal end 178of the distal shaft coupler 60 _(D) may be seen to better advantage inFIG. 9, which is an enlarged view of the portion of the catheter withindashed circle AA of FIG. 6. Since both FIGS. 6 and 9 arelongitudinally-extending, cross-sectional views, it is possible to see avertical web 180 (i.e., a line of shaft coupler material) locatedbetween the larger lumen 24′, 26′ and extending vertically between thefirst pull wire lumen 30′, and the second pull wire lumen 32′. You mayalso see a portion of the same coupler material above the first pullwire lumen 30′ and below the second pull wire lumen 32′. As shown inFIGS. 6 and 9, when the first pull wire 40 exits the distal end 178 ofthe distal shaft coupler 60 _(D), it enters a liner 182 (e.g., athin-walled PTFE tube). The second pull wire 42, upon exiting the distalend 178 of the distal shaft coupler 60 _(D), extends through a bendablestiffening member (e.g., a ‘coil pack’ or a ‘spring pack’ or an‘uncompacted spring pack’ or a ‘deflection facilitator’) 184, theproximal end of which is visible in FIG. 6. The construction of thebendable stiffening member 184 in the deflectable catheter shaft section12′ will be described in more detail below with reference to, forexample, FIGS. 9 and 11-16.

As shown to good advantage in dashed circle CC depicted in both FIGS. 6and 8, the first and second pull wires 40, 42 are attached todiametrically opposed locations on the pull ring 48′. Distal to the pullring 48′ in the configuration depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 are a pluralityof ring electrodes 54 followed distally by a tip assembly 18′,including, for example, a flexible tip electrode from a Therapy™ CoolFlex™ ablation catheter manufactured by St. Jude Medical, Inc. of St.Paul, Minn. Additional details regarding a flexible electrode tip may befound in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,187,267 B2 and United Statespatent application publication no. US 2010/0152731 A1, each of which ishereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. Thetip assembly 18′, as depicted in FIG. 6, also includes a barbedconnector 185 that locks into a complementary pocket 187, therebyfacilitating delivery of irrigant to a ported fluid distribution tube189. FIG. 7 is an end view of the tip assembly 18′ (looking in thedirection of the arrows on line 7-7 of FIG. 6) and illustrates aplurality of irrigation ports 190 through the distal surface of the tip.

As may be seen in FIGS. 9 and 11, the bendable stiffening member 184includes, in this embodiment, a multi-pitch coil 186 (see FIG. 12 for anisometric view of the multi-pitch coil) that is partially covered by acoil support tube 188. This coil support tube may be, for example, apolyimide tube or a NiTi tube or a tube constructed from some otherflexible material capable of bending with and supporting the internalcoil 186 comprising part of the bendable stiffening member. As alsoshown to good advantage in FIG. 9, when the second pull wire 42 exitsthe distal end of the bendable stiffening member 184, it enters a liner182 (e.g., a thin-walled PTFE tube). The first and second pull wires 40,42 then continue distally to a pull ring 48′.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of the distal end176 of the distal shaft coupler 60 _(D). In the figure, the outer shaftmaterial has been removed for clarity. As shown in FIG. 10, the proximalportion of the distal shaft coupler 60 _(D) is mounted in theintermediate catheter shaft section 164 and is shown extending from thedistal end 192 of the intermediate catheter shaft section 164. The firstpull wire lumen 30′ has a first pull wire 40 extending from it, and thatfirst pull wire is covered by a liner 182. The second pull wire 42 isshown extending distally from the second pull wire lumen 32′. The secondpull wire is depicted surrounded by a bendable stiffening member, suchas the bendable stiffening member 184 depicted in FIG. 11. In FIG. 10,however, only the proximal portion of the bendable stiffening member 184is shown. In particular, in FIG. 10, a proximal, spaced-coil portion 194of a multi-pitch coil 186 is shown, as is a proximal portion of the coilsupport tube 188. Additionally, a portion of one coil 202 of astacked-coil portion 196 of the multi-pitch coil 186 may also be seen inFIG. 10.

Referring now most particularly to FIGS. 11-16, further details of apossible construction for the bendable stiffening member 184 areprovided. FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the bendable stiffening member184. In this embodiment, a multi-pitch coil 186 is mounted within abendable coil support tube 188. FIG. 12 depicts one type of multi-pitchcoil 186 that could be assembled in the coil support tube 188. Themulti-pitch coil 186 depicted in FIG. 12 includes two spaced-coilportions 194, two stacked-coil portions 196, and a centrally-located,spread-coil portion 198 (see also FIG. 14). In one embodiment, eachspaced-coil portion 194 comprises a plurality (e.g., six) of slightlyseparated, individual coils 200; and each stacked-coil portion 196comprises a plurality (e.g., thirty-two) of touching, individual coils202; and the centrally-located, spread-coil portion 198 comprises aplurality (e.g., two) of slightly separated, individual coils 204.Referring back to FIG. 11, it possible to see that the two spaced-coilportions 194 extend from the longitudinal ends of the coil support tube188 in this embodiment. An additional advantage of this configuration isthat the gaps between coils 200 permit entry of a melt-processablematerial into these gaps when the catheter is manufactured (e.g., duringa reflow process), which can help to hold the bendable stiffening member184 in place in the assembled catheter.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-16, the multi-pitch coil186 is 0.74 inches long, each of the two stacked-coil portions 196 is0.1 inches long, and the spread-coil portion 198 is 0.018 inches long.Further, in this embodiment, each spaced-coil portion 194 comprises sixcoils (0.016666 pitch), and the central, spread-coil portion comprisestwo coils and 0.001 gaps 206 (0.009 pitch). In an alternativeembodiment, two spaced-coil portions may be separated by a single,centrally-located stacked-coil portion. In other alternativeembodiments, a single pitch coil could be used, for example, a tightlywound coil having no gaps between any coils from end-to-end, or a coilhaving the same size gap (e.g., a 0.001 gap) between all coils.

FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, are top, front, and end views, respectively, ofthe multi-pitch coil 186 depicted also depicted in FIG. 12. Although avariety of coil wire dimensions may be used effectively, a coil formedwith an inner diameter 208 (shown in, for example, FIG. 15) of 0.011inches, a wire thickness 210 (see FIG. 16) of 0.005 inches, and a wirewidth 212 (see FIG. 16) of 0.008 inches has been found to workeffectively with an appropriately-sized pull wire 40, 42. Coils havingan inner diameter of 0.014 inches, a wire thickness of 0.003 inches, anda wire width of 0.008 inches; or an inner diameter of 0.014 inches, awire thickness of 0.005 inches, and a wire width of 0.008 inches havealso been found to work effectively with an appropriately-sized pullwire. By varying, for example, the location and the size of the gapsbetween adjacent coils, the dimensions of the wire used to form thecoils, the size of the coils (e.g., ID and OD), the thickness of thecoil support tube, the material from which the coil support tube isconstructed, the length of the coil support tube relative to the lengthof the coil, and how tightly the coil support tube fits over the outerdiameter of the coil, it is possible to adjust and customize the bendingstiffness, the bending moment, and the bending radius of the resultingshape of the deflected catheter shaft distal portion. It should also benoted that the bendable stiffening member 184 does not carry acompression load like the compression load carried by the compressioncoils. It should also be noted that the bendable stiffening member 184could comprise a single component (e.g., a flexible tube not requiringan internal spring).

In various embodiments, a catheter may comprise a flexible tip assembly,which may be positioned and/or constructed similar to tip assemblies 18and/or 18′ described above. One embodiment of a flexible tip assembly300 is illustrated in FIG. 17. The flexible tip assembly 300 has alongitudinal axis 307 and can comprise a flexible tip electrode 301, anelectrode wire 315, a stop tube 310, a fluid lumen manifold 311, and athermal sensor 317. The flexible tip electrode 301 can comprise a tipelectrode distal end 306, a proximal stem 305, a recess 329, and anelectrode wall 302. The electrode wall 302 can comprise at least onelinear gap 303. The at least one linear gap 303 can extend along anouter radial surface of the flexible tip electrode 301 and can form avariety of patterns on the outer radial surface of the flexible tipelectrode 301. In one embodiment, the pattern is an interlockingdovetail pattern. The interlocking dovetail pattern can comprise aplurality of blocks 304 wherein each of the blocks comprises a head 332and a neck 331 (see FIG. 18). Alternatively, the pattern can be and, inone embodiment, is any type of interlocking arrangement that providesfor relative movement in the proximal and distal direction with regardto either all or part of tip assembly 108. For example, alternativepatterns of the interlocking arrangement can be and, in one embodiment,is bulbous, trapezoidal, triangular, rectangular, and any other shapethat creates an interlocking fit.

The electrode wire 315 is coupled to the recess 329 of the flexible tipelectrode 301. The electrode wire 315 can be coupled to the flexible tipelectrode 301 by soldering, adhesive, or other methods known in the art.The electrode wire 315 can be surrounded along part of its length by awire coating 318. The wire coating 318 can electrically insulate theelectrode wire 315 from other components of the catheter. The electrodewire 315 can be connected to, for example, monitoring or recording orablation devices, such as a radiofrequency (RF) generator. The distalend of thermal sensor 317 can be positioned proximate the tip electrodedistal end 306 and can be used to monitor the operating temperature ofthe flexible tip electrode 301 or the temperature of tissue adjacent theflexible tip electrode 301. The stop tube 310 may be coupled to thefluid lumen manifold 311 and configured to interact with a portion ofthe flexible tip electrode 301 to control the distance that a distal endof the fluid lumen manifold 311 can extend into the flexible tipelectrode 301.

FIG. 18 illustrates the embodiment of the flexible tip assembly 300shown in FIG. 17 rotated 90 degrees about a longitudinal axis of theflexible tip assembly 300. The electrode wire 315 and the wire coating318 covering a portion of the electrode wire is illustrated travelingparallel to a longitudinal axis of the flexible tip assembly 300. Thewiring of thermal sensor 317 is illustrated traveling parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the flexible tip assembly 300 and in theillustrated configuration is offset from the electrical wire 315 by 90degrees around the outer radial surface of the flexible tip electrode301.

FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 18 taken along line 19-19. The flexible tip assembly 300 comprisesthe flexible tip electrode 301, a manifold assembly 319, and the thermalsensor 317. The flexible tip electrode comprises a center cavity 308, acoil 309, an electrode wall 302, a linear gap 303, a proximal stem 305,a ledge feature 320, and a proximal face 322. The coil 309 is configuredto be located within the center cavity 308 of the flexible tip electrode301 and can be configured to provide structural integrity to theflexible tip electrode and to bias the flexible tip electrode 301 intopre-determined arrangements. The coil 309 can bias the flexible tipelectrode 301 in a longitudinal direction or in a pre-bentconfiguration. In one embodiment, the coil 309 can comprise a resilientmaterial such as stainless steel and/or a shape memory material such asnitinol. The electrode wall 302 can comprise at least one linear gap303. In the illustrated embodiment the at least one linear gap extendsfrom an outer radial surface of the electrode wall 302 through an innerradial surface of the electrode wall 302. When the at least one lineargap 303 extends through the electrode wall 302 as illustrated, irrigantdelivered to the flexible tip electrode 301 can pass through theelectrode wall 302. The irrigant is fluidly coupled to the areasurrounding the outer radial surface of the flexible tip electrode 301.The proximal stem 305 of the flexible tip electrode 301 may couple thetip assembly 300 to the deflectable catheter shaft section 12 (see FIG.1-4) or 12′ (see FIG. 5) by way of adhesive, epoxy, reflowed shaftpolymer material, and/or other bonding materials or techniques. Further,the proximal stem 305 can comprise an inner surface 321, a ledge feature320 and a proximal face 322. The inner surface 321 of the proximal stem305 can define a lumen through which the manifold assembly can pass. Theledge feature 320 may be an annular or partially annular lip orprotrusion from inner surface 321 that is sized and configured tointeract with a manifold assembly, such as manifold assembly 319illustrated here, such that the manifold assembly 319 can be inserted apredetermined distance into the center cavity 308. As noted above, theledge feature 320 can comprise a ridge or narrowing of the inner surface321 of the proximal stem 305. In other embodiments the ledge feature cancomprise a non-continuous feature to restrict the movement of the stoptube 310 past a certain point in the proximal stem 305 of the flexibletip electrode 301. The proximal face 322 of the proximal stem 305 can beconfigured to be used as a bonding surface for a proximal adhesive 323.The proximal adhesive 323 can be used to couple the manifold assembly319 to the proximal stem 305 of the flexible tip electrode 301.

Referring still to FIG. 19, the manifold assembly 319 can comprise thefluid lumen manifold 311 and the stop tube 310. The fluid lumen manifold311 can comprise a plurality of sideholes 314 in a distal section. Theplurality of sideholes 314 can be configured to deliver irrigant intothe center cavity 308 in a desired manner. As a result, in someembodiments, more proximally located sideholes 314 can be larger indiameter than the sideholes 314 found more distally on the fluid lumenmanifold 311. In other embodiments the more proximally located sideholes314 can be smaller in diameter than the sideholes 314 found moredistally on the fluid lumen manifold 311. In yet other embodiments theplurality of sideholes 314 can comprise the same general diameter. Thestop tube 310 can be configured to couple to the fluid lumen manifold311 through the use of adhesive or other process. The stop tube 310 canbe further configured to interact with the ledge feature 320 of theproximal stem 305 to control the length the distal portion of themanifold assembly 319 is inserted into the center cavity 308 of theflexible tip electrode 301. A proximal end of the stop tube 310 canextend past the proximal face 322 of the proximal stem 305 when the stoptube 310 is butted to the ledge feature 320. The stop tube 310 canprovide a ledge adjacent the proximal face 322 so that when the proximaladhesive 323 is applied to the proximal face 322 of the proximal stem305 the stop tube 310 will keep the adhesive from an outer surface ofthe fluid lumen manifold 311. The stop tube 310 can be configured toprovide an appropriate length so that when an adhesive is applied in asemi-liquid state, the adhesive's profile is entirely on a stop tubeouter surface 348 and does not cover a proximal face of the stop tube310 or an outer surface of a fluid lumen manifold. By keeping theadhesive away from the proximal face of the stop tube 310 the distancebetween the proximal face of the stop tube and other components of theflexible tip assembly can be kept to a known, consistent value. Themanifold assembly 319 is further configured to couple to a fluid lumen,such as tapered fluid lumen 312. In at least one embodiment the taperedfluid lumen 312 can cover a proximal portion of the fluid lumen manifold311 and abut the stop tube 310. While the manifold assembly 319 isdepicted in the illustrated embodiment coupling to a flexible tipelectrode 301, the manifold assembly disclosed herein can be used withany irrigated catheter tip. The manifold assembly 319 can be used toplace a distal end of the manifold assembly 319 at a predeterminedlocation within the tip electrode and/or to place a proximal end of themanifold assembly 319 a predetermined distance from a proximal end ofthe tip electrode.

FIG. 20 illustrates the circled portion of FIG. 19. As illustrated inFIG. 20, in one embodiment of the manifold assembly 319, the stop tube310 can have an outer diameter that is slightly larger than the taperedfluid lumen 312 and can be configured to provide a step feature 313whereby a location sensor, such as a location sensor coil 350 (see FIG.22) or other electronic sensor, can be placed a controlled and knowndistance from the proximal face 322 of the flexible tip electrode 301.By placing the location sensor a known distance from the proximal face322 of the flexible tip electrode 301 a more accurate placement orregistration of the location sensor can determined whereby thelongitudinal axis of the sensor (FIG. 22) is coaxial or nearly coaxialwith the longitudinal axis 307 of the tip assembly 300 (see FIG. 17) toallow for more accurate tip assembly position determination than may bepossible if the location sensor is not coaxially aligned with the tipassembly.

FIG. 21 illustrates an enlarged view of the manifold assembly 319 shownin FIGS. 17-20. The stop tube 310 can be seen covering a middle portionof the fluid lumen manifold 311 and leaving a proximal portion 343 and adistal portion 342 of the fluid lumen manifold 311 uncovered. The distalportion 342 of the fluid lumen manifold 311 comprises a plurality ofsideholes 314. In the illustrated embodiment the plurality of sideholes314 comprise a set of 8 more proximally set sideholes 314 at a firstdiameter and a set of 8 more distally set sideholes 314 at a second,smaller diameter.

FIG. 22 depicts a cross-section of an embodiment a manifold assembly319. The manifold assembly 319 is shown coupled to a tapered fluid lumen312 and a location sensor coil 350. The manifold assembly 319 comprisesa fluid lumen manifold 311, a stop tube 310, a stop tube adhesive 345, aplurality of sideholes 314, a lumen cap 315, and a lumen cap adhesive346. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of sideholes 314 forma series of rows extending in a distal direction of the fluid lumenmanifold 311. As seen in FIG. 22 the sideholes 314 in each row areoffset from the sideholes 314 in the adjacent rows. The lumen cap 315 isset in a distal end 346 of the fluid lumen manifold 311. In theillustrated embodiment the lumen cap 315 is coupled to the fluid lumenmanifold 311 by the lumen cap adhesive 346. The lumen cap 315 comprisesa distal port 316 that can be sized to achieve a desired flow ratetherethrough. In various embodiments, the distal port 316 can vary insize according to the desired fluid flow therethrough. In oneembodiment, the distal port is plugged so that no fluid can flow throughthe distal port. The plug in the distal port can be integral to thedistal port or can be a distinct plug that is coupled to the distalport. The plug can be secured to the distal port through adhesive orother bonding as is known in the art. The stop tube 310 can be coupledto the fluid lumen manifold 311 by a stop tube adhesive 345. In theillustrated embodiment a tapered fluid lumen 312 is coupled to themanifold assembly 319 such that a step feature 313 is formed at ajunction of a distal end of the tapered fluid lumen and a proximal endof the stop tube 310. The step feature 313 can allow the placement of alocation sensor coil 350 at a predetermined distance from a distal endof the stop tube 310, by sliding the location sensor coil 350 up to thestep feature 313.

FIG. 23 depicts an isometric view of the embodiment of a manifoldassembly 319 depicted in FIG. 22. The manifold assembly 319 comprisesthe fluid lumen manifold 311, the stop tube 310, the stop tube adhesive345, the plurality of sideholes 314, the lumen cap 315, and the lumencap adhesive 346. The distal port 316 of the lumen cap 315 is alsodepicted.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate a longitudinal side view and an end view of astop tube 310 according to the disclosure. In one embodiment the stoptube 310 can have a length 347 of about 0.075 to 0.125 inches. Inanother embodiment the stop tube 310 can have a length 347 of about0.090 to 0.115 inches. In yet another embodiment the stop tube 310 canhave a length 347 of about 0.100 to 0.112 inches. The stop tube 310 canhave other lengths for other embodiments. The stop tube 310 can comprisea stop tube lumen 354 and a stop tube inner surface 321. The stop tubelumen 354 can be sized and configured to fit over a fluid lumenmanifold. As discussed above, the stop tube inner surface 321 can beconfigured to bond to said fluid lumen manifold through the use of anadhesive or other bonding process.

FIG. 26 depicts a longitudinal side view of an embodiment of a taperedfluid lumen 312. The tapered fluid lumen 312 comprises a proximal region351 with a first outer diameter, a distal region 353 with a second outerdiameter, and a tapered transition region 352. In one embodiment thediameter of the distal region 353 can be larger than the diameter of theproximal region 351. The tapered transition region 352 comprises an areawhere the diameter of the tapered fluid lumen 312 changes from thelarger to the smaller diameter. In one embodiment, the distal region 353of the tapered fluid lumen 312 can be configured to surround and coupleto a proximal portion of a fluid lumen manifold.

FIGS. 27-29 illustrate various views of another embodiment of a manifoldassembly 419. The manifold assembly 419 in the illustrated embodimentcomprises a barbed connector 430, a stop shoulder 431, a lumen cap 415,a distal port 416, and a plurality of sideholes 414. The sideholes 414can vary in size. In the illustrated embodiment, a proximal set of thesideholes 414 is larger than a distal set of the sideholes 414. Thelumen cap 415 comprises a distal port 416 that can provide back flowand/or back pressure during irrigant (e.g. water or saline) deliveryfrom an inner lumen 432 through the sideholes 414 and/or the distal port416. Some or all of the manifold assembly 419 can be made of stainlesssteel by a machining process and then passivated, including thesideholes 414, which may also be drilled first then passivated to removeiron oxide. By machining the manifold assembly 419 of the currentembodiment in a single piece the manufacture of the manifold assembly419 can reduce the variability in the completed manifold assembly 419.In various embodiments, a fluid (or water) deliver tube extendingthrough at least a portion of an elongated catheter body, such as theelongated body of the deflectable catheter shaft section 12 (see FIG.1-4) or 12′ (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and/or intermediate catheter shaftsection 164 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and/or proximal catheter shaft section20 (see FIG. 1), and made of a flexible, elastic, stretchable polymersuch as a thermoplastic urethane (“TPU”, which may be available underthe brand names PELLETHANE or ESTANE, both from The LubrizolCorporation, Wickliffe, Ohio, USA) may be stretched over a barbedconnector 430 of the manifold assembly 419 to form a complementarypocket, such as pocket 187 seen in FIG. 6. A stop shoulder 431 of themanifold assembly 419 may abut a ledge feature of the flexible tipelectrode of the tip assembly 300 discussed above (see FIG. 17) suchthat irrigation fluid may be delivered from sideholes 414 into an innercavity of the flexible tip electrode and ultimately out of the electrodethrough at least one exterior port or gap of an outer wall of theelectrode.

FIGS. 30-32 illustrate several views of another embodiment of a manifoldassembly 519. In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold assembly 519comprises a barbed connector 530, a stop shoulder 531, a lumen cap 515,a distal port 516, and a plurality of sideholes 514. The sideholes 514of the illustrated embodiment can comprise a consistent size and nodistal constriction around a distal port 516.

FIG. 33 illustrates yet another embodiment of a manifold assembly 619according to the disclosure. The manifold assembly 619 can comprise abarbed connector 630, a sensor depression 632, a stop shoulder 631, anda plurality of sideholes 614. The sensor depression 632 can be sized andconfigured to couple to a location sensor coil 350 (see FIG. 22). Themanifold assembly 619 can be manufactured from stainless steel, PEEK orthe other suitable. When the manifold assembly 619 is made of PEEK orthe like less interference can occur when using a location sensor coil.

Although at least one embodiment of a manifold assembly have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled inthe art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Alldirectional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left,right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical,horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used foridentification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the presentdisclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to theposition, orientation, or use of the devices. Joinder references (e.g.,affixed, attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construedbroadly and can include intermediate members between a connection ofelements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinderreferences do not necessarily infer that two elements are directlyconnected and in fixed relationship to each other. It is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and notlimiting. Changes in detail or structure can be made without departingfrom the spirit of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdoes not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A catheter tip assembly comprising: a tipelectrode comprising an electrode wall defining a center cavity; and amanifold assembly comprising a fluid lumen manifold and a stop tube,wherein the stop tube is coupled to the fluid lumen manifold and whereinthe stop tube abuts the tip electrode such that a distal end of thefluid lumen manifold extends a pre-determined distance into the centercavity of the tip electrode.
 22. The catheter tip assembly according toclaim 21, wherein the pre-determined distance is configured to allow anirrigation fluid into the center cavity of the tip electrode.
 23. Thecatheter tip assembly according to claim 21, wherein a distal portion ofthe fluid lumen manifold further comprises a plurality of sideholes. 24.The catheter tip assembly according to claim 23, wherein the pluralityof sideholes are of varying sizes.
 25. The catheter tip assemblyaccording to claim 21, wherein the fluid lumen manifold extends proximalof a proximal end of the stop tube.
 26. The catheter tip assemblyaccording to claim 21, wherein the stop tube is adhesively coupled tothe fluid lumen manifold.
 27. The catheter tip assembly according toclaim 26, wherein the tip electrode further comprises a stem including aproximal face, wherein the stop tube is adhesively coupled to the fluidlumen manifold by an adhesive positioned between the stop tube and theproximal face.
 28. The catheter tip assembly according to claim 27,wherein the tip electrode further comprises a ledge feature, and whereinthe stop tube abuts the ledge feature.
 29. The catheter tip assemblyaccording to claim 21, wherein the tip electrode comprises a flexibletip electrode.
 30. A flexible tip electrode comprising: an electrodewall and a ledge feature, wherein the electrode wall defines a centercavity; and a manifold assembly comprising: a stop tube comprising astop shoulder; and a fluid lumen manifold comprising a plurality ofsideholes, wherein the stop shoulder is configured to abut the ledgefeature such that a distal end of the manifold assembly extends apre-determined distance into the center cavity, wherein thepre-determined distance is configured to allow an irrigation fluidthrough the plurality of sideholes into the center cavity, and whereinthe stop tube is fixedly attached to the fluid lumen manifold.
 31. Theflexible tip electrode according to claim 30 further comprising a sensordepression.
 32. The flexible tip electrode according to claim 31 whereinthe stop tube is fixedly attached to the fluid lumen manifold by anadhesive.
 33. The flexible tip electrode according to claim 30, whereinthe fluid lumen manifold extends proximal of the stop tube.
 34. Theflexible tip electrode according to claim 30 further comprising aproximal stem coupled to the electrode wall, wherein the stop tubefurther comprises a proximal face that extends past a proximal end ofthe proximal stem.
 35. A flexible tip electrode comprising: an electrodewall, a proximal stem, a ledge feature, and a proximal face, wherein theelectrode wall defines a center cavity; and a manifold assemblycomprising a fluid lumen manifold and a stop tube, wherein the stop tubesurrounds an outer diameter of the fluid lumen manifold, wherein adistal portion of the fluid lumen manifold further comprises a pluralityof sideholes, wherein the manifold assembly is configured to engage withthe ledge feature, and wherein the engagement of the manifold assemblyand the ledge feature is configured to allow an irrigation fluid throughthe plurality of sideholes into the center cavity.
 36. The flexible tipelectrode according to claim 35 further comprising a fluid lumenconfigured to couple to the fluid lumen manifold and abut the stop tube.37. The flexible tip electrode according to claim 35, wherein the stoptube further comprises a stop tube proximal face and wherein the stoptube proximal face extends past a proximal end of the proximal stem. 38.The flexible tip electrode according to claim 37, wherein a proximalportion of the stop tube defines a stop tube ledge.
 39. The flexible tipelectrode according to claim 38, wherein the manifold assembly furthercomprises an adhesive configured to couple the manifold assembly to theproximal face.
 40. The flexible tip electrode according to claim 39,wherein the stop tube ledge is configured to keep the adhesive from anouter surface of the fluid lumen manifold.